Projects

John Lewis, Cheltenham

Integrated planning strategy to repurpose a failing shopping centre

Our role

We devised a robust planning strategy and submitted a series of planning applications as part of a proposal to convert Beechwood Shopping Centre in Cheltenham to a John Lewis department store.

Working closely with John Lewis’ design and development teams to develop the proposals and secure officer and member support.

The shopping centre was anchored by Debenhams but had been under-performing for a number of years and failed to attract the necessary footfall to fill the majority of other units.

Our planning strategy comprised several parts. A CLOPUD for a number of necessary internal works and changes in floorspace, including the establishment of a John Lewis restaurant and branded coffee shop, followed by a series of planning applications to secure a new building facade, further mezzanine floorspace, a basement gym and associated external works.

The proposals were subject to extensive pre-application consultation with the council’s planning and conservation officers, and independent review by an external Design Panel and the Cheltenham Civic Society. Turley Heritage provided heritage support.

Results

Creating shared objectives with local stakeholders and the Borough Council enabled our planning applications to be determined in line with our client’s master programme.

Planning permissions were secured in December 2015 and the store opened on 18 October 2018.

The entire shopping centre is a full line John Lewis ‘small store’, alongside a fully refurbished and extended Next store in the adjacent property.

Additional funds were leveraged to deliver public realm enhancements in advance of the store opening.

The store has revitalised the eastern end of the high street, with an increase in lettings and investment activity.